Paarl Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vrede en Lust Winery
Paarl
Vrede en Lust Winery
Paarl
Laborie Winery showing interior views

Try fresh produce from the orchards, vineyards and farms in this picturesque and historic area where Mandela was imprisoned.

Paarl is among South Africa’s prominent providers of wine and fruit. It stands in its namesake valley surrounded by rock giants that generate a dramatic and scenic setting. Learn about the country’s distinctive grape varieties at historic wineries around town.

Come for tastings at Vrede en Lust EstateOpens in a new window, which offers acclaimed vintages from grapes growing in its two vineyards. Take a guided tour of the cellar for an understanding of the fermentation process and the history of the winery. Enjoy local products and artisan menus at the Lust Bistro and Bakery.

Dine at high-end restaurants at Laborie Wine FarmOpens in a new window, among the oldest wineries in the country. The winery, known for its excellent Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines, takes its name from France’s La Bri district. Try various craft beers at its Bar di Bar, which has a 1970s ambiance with a jukebox.

Looming over the winery is the dominant Paarl Rock, a popular climbing challenge. Photograph its bulbous dome shape and smooth surface. Bring your kids on this fairly simple climb, where you will find many trails of varying difficulty. Climb from Paarl Rock to Bretagna Rock in about 1 hour.

Hear how Nelson Mandela spent 14 months in a private house within the walls of Victor Verster Correctional Centre at the end of his 27-year imprisonment. A bronze statue stands outside the prison, now known as the Drakenstein Correctional Centre. Marvel at the obelisks of the Afrikaans Language Monument and learn about its pride and identity.

Paarl is cited as a Southern Hemisphere equivalent to the Mediterranean for weather. Expect a pleasant climate with hot summers from December to March and mild winters.

The town is in the Cape Winelands area 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Cape Town in southwestern South Africa. Fly to Cape Town International Airport and take a taxi to Paarl in less than 1 hour.

Visit Paarl, the pearl of South African wine, for intriguing monuments and a stunning backdrop of mountains.

Where to stay in Paarl

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Windmeul

Windmeul is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Paarl area, you might plan a trip to Rhebokskloof Estate or Bain's Whisky Distillery.

Windmeul
Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren

5 out of 5
Klapmuts - Simondium Road, Simondium, Paarl, Western Cape
The price is ฿21,710 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
฿21,710
฿25,216 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paarl. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Babylonstoren and Backsberg Estate Cellars ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (68 reviews)
"Delicious food and comfy bed"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Babylonstoren
Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa

Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa

5 out of 5
Simonsvlei Rd, Paarl, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Paarl. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Babylonstoren and Backsberg Estate Cellars ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"This was our second visit. The property is in the most beautiful setting with gorgeous views. The staff are extremely hospitable. The food is so tasty and healthy too! The spa was fantastic and the massages we got were some of the best we ever had. 10/10"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Sante Wellness Retreat & Spa
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ฿4,086 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
฿4,086
฿4,746 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"A bit far from the action, but staff made up for it with friendly service and advice."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Golf Safari | Pearl Valley

Golf Safari | Pearl Valley

4 out of 5
Wemmershoek Road R301, Paarl, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Paarl. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Boschenmeer Golf Estate and KWV Wine ...
"We had issues checking in, finding the condo, and many of the amenities listed were not available."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2019

Golf Safari | Pearl Valley
The Residences at Crystal Towers

The Residences at Crystal Towers

4 out of 5
Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Bloubergstrand ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (128 reviews)
Worth it!
"A comfortable stay, friendly and helpful staff, lovely amenities. Very well located. Furniture showing signs of wear. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

The Residences at Crystal Towers
The Ivy Apartments

The Ivy Apartments

4 out of 5
1 Kruger Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star luxury apartment in Franschhoek. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a health club. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (164 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous apartment. Very central, safe parking and had everything you need."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

The Ivy Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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